Shooting Star in the Rain by Nola Marie {a review}

Shooting Star in the Rain by Nola Marie is NOW AVAILABLE! This is the third book in the Sons of Sin series, and this time we are finding out how Jake and Cara find their happily ever after. Friends, it is an emotional journey for them, and Cara has a lot of trauma from a previous relationship.

Now that I briefly mentioned trauma, I do want to say that this story has a content warning for a situation that Cara went through back in Chicago (which we learned a little about in Bed of Nails). That situation continues to affect her life to this day, and as a result she has PTSD. Which is understandable. Nothing is overshared, but I just wanted to put it out there. If you need more information before reading, please reach out to me and I will fill you in on the specifics.

As we learned at the end of Bed of Nails, Sons of Sin is headed on tour! Jake is rejoining the band and is need of someone to watch his daughter while he does his job. Enter Cara, Dane's little sister. She volunteered to take care of Lyra. Cara was looking for an escape anyway, so she thinks she can handle the job. Plus she promised to continue to meet with her therapist through virtual meetings. Dane still wasn't sold. Jake though was all in. He has been in love with Cara for YEARS, and he's hoping to finally let her know. Especially since his plans to do so were interrupted years ago by Peyton. Jake is hesitant though because he doesn't want to betray his best friend, or cause issues with the band. Things are going okay, and they are slowly setting into a routine. Yes, Cara is struggling with her anxiety (and occasional flashbacks), but she's trying her best. Things are starting to make a turn until a person from her past makes a reappearance. At the same time, Jake is also getting a blast from the past. Neither are welcomed, and could affect their future. Can they make it through? Can Cara trust her heart to Jake? Will she ever tell anyone what happened back in Chicago? What do these people want from her and Jake?

This story was SO GOOD! At the end of Bed of Nails I knew that 1) I needed Jake and Cara's story immediately, 2) it was going to be INTENSE, and 3) I was going to fall hard for this couple (and Lyra). Of course I was correct on all three accounts. I was not expecting Cara's story to hit so hard though. That woman has been through a lot in her life. From the loss of her mother, to the situation in Chicago, and now to the events in Paris, it's a lot. Jake has been through some stuff though too. Nothing to the extent that Cara has, but that doesn't diminish his past in any way shape or form. What he went through with Peyton has been rough. The secret he's been keeping has been rough. But he wouldn't change it for the world. He loves his daughter. One thing that I really loved about their story was Jake's support. He was showing Cara through action, and telling her through his words, how he would be there for her. And more importantly how he would love her through it all. The situation that occurred in Paris brought tears to my eyes. I wasn't fully expecting it to happen, so when it all began my heart was in my throat and the tears were welling up. As things intensified, I was wondering just how this was all going to conclude. Not only that but what was the motive? The ending of that though was so freaking good. It was the conclusion that I wanted, and it was a good fit for the characters. Not related to the Paris situation, but still related to the over all story, I laughed so hard when Dane busted into the room and caught an eye full. Then with what was revealed a little later it just made me laugh even more so. So obviously the book isn't all seriousness, there are a few comedic moments as well.

I absolutely adored the characters (main plus sides), and am finding myself even more curious about Ryder and Maddox. The setting in this book was intriguing, as I can't say I've really read many stories where the rockstars are on tour. The story captivated me, and I loved learning about Jake and Cara (and also witnessing Dane's reaction to their relationship).

Highly suggest you give Shooting Star in the Rain, and really all of books in the Sons of Sin series. If rockstar romances are your preferred sub-genre, then go grab these now! Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read these for free with their membership!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on the book. I appreciate you taking time to read my thoughts.

Laura

What do you do when your heart wants the one that got away?  What do you do when she comes back broken? Can you love her scars and all?

~Jake~

The day I decided to finally lay out my feelings for the girl of my dreams was the day life threw me a curve.

In order to do what I knew in my heart was right, I had to give up my dreams of making it big with my band.

And my dream of her.

Since i got my daughter out of it, I’m not sorry.

But now a second curveball has just come, courtesy of the band I had to leave.

They’re making the big time now and they need me back.

I’m heading on tour with them, my guitar, my daughter...and her.

A second chance to win the girl of my dreams? Maybe. 

But this time around we both have a lot of baggage.

~Cara~

I’m broken. I know it.

My brother knows it.

The band knows it.

Every day I go through the motions, more so I don’t worry the people who care about me than because I’m actually getting better.

Honestly, I don’t deserve to heal. 

It was one impulsive decision.

A desire to help my brother and the band I see as brothers.

I’d go along on their tour and play nanny for the most adorable little girl I’ve ever seen.

The band would get one of their founding members back.

A win for everyone.

Until Jake learns more about me than I ever wanted anyone to know.

And I learn more about him than I could’ve imagined.

When life separates two souls, leaving them beaten and bloody, can love forge them into something stronger? When the storms of their past threaten, can their love remain as bright as a shooting star in the rain?

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Are you new to the band?
Start here ↓

Angel & Josie

Amazon | Goodreads | Review

Dane & Cami

Amazon | Goodreads | Review

About the Author

Nola Marie has been writing her entire life but has authored nine books in the last year, four of which are published as her steamy mafia romance series, The Men of River City. Currently she is working on her Sons of Sin series which promises to be just as bold and exciting.

She also holds a bachelors degree in IT Management and an MBA in Leadership and Strategy. 

She has spent her entire life in Louisiana, and absolutely loves everything about it from the crawfish to the swamps. She has a hard-working, completely devoted husband that encourages her to do what makes her happy, three smart, kind, intelligent children that are her best friends, and an assortment of pets. 

When not spending time with her family, she reads, writes, listens to music, doing amateur graphic design, and plays video games.

Connect with Nola Marie

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Thank you to Nola Marie for providing me with an advanced copy of Shooting Star in the Rain.

 

An Irresistible Chance by Kim Loraine {a review}

An Irresistible Chance is the kick off to Kim Loraine's latest series the Irresistible Langstons, and it is officially available! So let's head back to Montana to find out what's going on with Hawk Langston, and his daughter Carly. Rumor has it, Hawk is going to need a nanny, and Lark & Travis Ryker have the perfect candidate!

Oh where to begin with my recap?!? Daisy has recently broken up with the man she was dating, and she's out of a job as well. So when her friend Lark tells her about a nanny job in Montana, she's jumping at the chance to be near her friend again.  On her way to Montana, Daisy stops at a hotel for the night. It is there that she meets a handsome cowboy, who she spends a little time with in the elevator, and ends up asking him to kiss her. Best kiss ever. Flash forward a little bit, and she meets the man she will be working for. It's the handsome cowboy. Nerves arise, and she's tempted to flee. That is until she meets Carly. She'll put aside her issues for that little girl who has just stolen her heart. But can the relationship between Daisy and Hawk remain professional? Will hearts be broken or will there be a happily ever after in her future?

As soon as I read the small teaser at the end of Wild Mistake, I KNEW I would enjoy this book. Hawk and Daisy did not disappoint one bit, and I could not put down my kindle. I was fully immersed in their world, and had to know what happened next for the duo. Add in Carly, and I was just a goner. That little girl is something else. Now I can't lie, I would have loved for their big dramatic moment to be a little grander, but it was fine. It was more like a mole hill than a mountain, but that's okay. Still issues were worked out. Tension was released, Happiness was found. Trust was built. And these two found love. (oh come on, you know these books end in HEAs, so don't pretend to be surprised! 😉)

I loved the book, and like I said I could not put it down. The Langston family has captured my attention, and I cannot wait to revisit them. Before we can do that though, we have to reconnect with the folks at Wilde Horse Ranch. Sounds like Maverick has a proposition for the vet.

If you've read the Rykers or the Wildes, then the Langstons is just the next step. All of these families know each other, and are often helping each other out. So it only makes sense that they appear in each others books. Let's go to Montana and hang out at these ranches.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on An Irresistible Chance. If you too are a fan of cowboy romances set in small towns, then please go read this one. I think you'll enjoy it. I know I did.

Laura

Cover Designer: TE Black
Photographer: Wander Aguiar
Model: Andrew Biernat

Don't sleep with the nanny.

That should be a simple rule to follow, but some things are easier said than done.

Especially when the nanny I hire to take care of my wild child daughter turns out to be the one I can't forget. 

The woman I shared a red-hot anonymous kiss with a few weeks ago when we were trapped in an elevator? Yeah, seems she's one and the same--sweet, sexy, irresistible Daisy.

When she shows up in town, fresh-faced and ready to care for my kid, it hits me like a kick from a stubborn mare. I'm in way over my head.

I've been fantasizing about seeing my elevator woman again. And now I'm seeing her every damn day at the breakfast table, or at the playground with my adorable daughter.

Daisy is exactly what my little girl needs. 

But every day I spend with Daisy makes me want her more, only I can't have her. 

I won't risk breaking the unbreakable rule to take a chance at love.

Until the night I do.

Order your copy today!

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Meet Kim Loraine

Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.

Connect with Kim

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | FB Group | Instagram | Twitter | BookBub | Newsletter | TikTok

Thank you to Kim Loraine, and Valentine PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of An Irresistible Chance.

Tis the Season for Romance Anthology {new release}

 

TIS THE SEASON FOR ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY is a multi author project that is perfect for the upcoming holidays!

Are you a fan of contemporary romances? You'll find that here, along with various heat levels, and a variety of tropes

Tis The Season for Romance is an abundance of heartfelt wishes, a touch of Christmas magic, and a guaranteed happy ever after, all while celebrating this most joyful time of the year.

Best Selling and Award-Winning authors fill your holiday stocking with novellas ranging from sweet to sassy, bursting with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas holiday.

Available now!

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo

Add this anthology to your Goodreads TBR!

Participating Authors contributing to this set include:

Kathleen Ryder | Susan Horsnell | Josie Johnston | Diana Dawn | Mary Morano | J.F. Lowe | A.M. Olenick | Andra Dill | Maddison Cole | Argentina Ryder | Susannah Kade | Jakki Frances | Louisa Duval | Ava Bari | Lorah Jaiyn | Katherine Moore | Amy Stephens | B. Livingstone | Ashley Brion | Tricia Schneider

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October A to Z update

 

It's time for my final update with the October A to Z reading challenge! Here is my progress. New additions to the list are in orange!

A: Adventurous Love by Lea Coll

B: Broken Playboy by Laura Lee

C: Change on the Fly by Maren Moore

D: Designing for a Royal by Tomi Tabb

E:

F: Fallen Heirs by Laura Lee

G: Ground Zero by April Canavan 

H: The Hacker by Anna Hackett

I: 

J: Affliction by JL Stray

K: An Irresistible Chance by Kim Loraine

L: Ruthless Kings by Laura Lee

M: Missing Maverick by Anna Brooks

N: The Nanny and the Hothead by Krista Sandor

O: Only One Regret by Natasha Madison

P: 

Q:

R: Rebel Yule by Kate Meader

S: One Eye by KL Savage

T: Turnover by Lisa Suzanne

U: 

V: Violent Attraction by Jocelyne Soto

W: Wicked Liars by Laura Lee

X: Taming of the Crew by Xavier Neal

Y:

Z:

Final Thoughts:

I think I did a pretty dang good job for this being a monthly challenge! There were a couple letters I thought I could fulfill (I & P), but I ran out of time. Still though I'm proud of what I accomplished and will definitely attempt this again. I'm thinking of making it a quarterly challenge in 2022. Q, U, and Z will always be the problematic letters, but you never know, eventually I'll be able to fill in those spots.

Have you ever tried an a to z reading challenge? If so, how'd you do?

Laura

Ground Zero by April Canavan {a review}

 

Are you a fan of April Canavan's books? Did you read the Birch Police Department series? Have you been wishing for a Birch Fire Department series? Well good news, Ground Zero, the first book in the series, is NOW AVAILABLE!

If you read any of the Birch PD series, then you may remember Josh. You may also remember that he was a police officer who was leaving the force to return to firefighting. On his final night as a police officer, he was at a roller rink meeting up with friends. It was there that two things happened. The first was that he kept making eye contact with a gorgeous woman. The second was that he had to make an arrest. Shortly before his shift was over, he had to take yet another call that brought him to a hotel. It was at that hotel where he ran into the woman again. A brief encounter turned into a night together, and then she vanished. That is until six months later when they run into each other in Birch. Jump forward a couple days, and who does Josh run into at the firehouse? Nia. Turns out she's been hired as the new paramedic for the station.

Ground Zero is another fabulous book from April Canavan. I am hooked on her Birch County books. Whether it's police or fire, I'm all in. Hand them over. Even though they always lead me to having tears strolling down my cheeks. From the way Josh and Nia originally met, to their reconnection 6 months later, I loved it all. It was also interesting to hear about Nia's connection to Eddie Stryker, and that history. Let's back up a bit though. At the beginning of the book, when Josh made that arrest, what happened after that? That storyline just poofed into thin air, and left me wondering. It was a loose end that wasn't tied up, and it's bugging me. However that location did lead to Josh and Nia meeting, so that's a plus. Okay back to Josh and Nia's relationship. I loved it. These two obviously had a fantastic connection, and their relationship from coworkers to friends to lovers was seamless. It just worked, and flowed nicely. Yes Josh put his foot in his mouth a couple times, but Nia also went overboard as well. But it gave that tension, and brought the uncertainty to their relationship. It made them both vulnerable. Love their relationship. I just do. Aside from the relationship, I also enjoyed how familiar faces popped up. We were able to "see" some of the Birch PD characters make appearances, and that just brought a smile to my face. Especially when Nox was mentioned. That kid just has a place in my heart. Let's talk about the action/suspense aspect of the book. OH MY WORD! That was intense. Plus it lead to the tears flowing. Those scenes just hit me smack dab in the feelings. As for the who-dun-it portion, I was immediately thinking of the characters we had previously met, and trying to determine if they had the motive. It wasn't until right before Josh discovered who was behind it, that I thought "what about so and so", and I was right. The final "showdown" though, damn. Loved it, and it hit me in the feels again. But I was left with a question regarding the villain. I don't think I missed it, my mind is telling me one thing, but at the same time it's telling me something else. So I've got questions.

Putting those couple of questions to the side, I thoroughly enjoyed Ground Zero, and am looking forward to the other books that are coming in the series. I'm now anticipating January 18, 2022, as that is when Breach Point is supposed to be releasing.

If you like small town romances, work place romances, firefighter romances, romantic suspense, and/or the forced proximity trope, then please go read Ground Zero. I think you'll enjoy it, and quite possibly find yourself wanting to go read all of April's backlist titles.

Thank you for reading my thoughts about Ground Zero. Loved this book, the setting, and of course the characters.

Laura

Ground Zero: The center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity

I carried her lifeless body out of a burning building.

One that collapsed on top of us, forcing us to fight for survival.

Where she gave her life so that I could live.

That nightmare wasn’t the happy ending I thought I’d find in the flames.

Turns out, it wasn’t our ending at all.

It was the beginning of our story.

The one where I fell in love without knowing what was happening.

Or the destruction she would thrust into my path.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add Ground Zero to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet April Canavan

I live on chaos and coffee, and you’ll find it running through every single one of my stories.  

First of all, I absolutely abhor writing anything biographical. In any form. I’m terrible at it, and I have the very firm belief that no one wants to know who I am. You’re here for books, right? But that doesn’t mean I’m off the hook.

 

I grew up sneaking over to my great grandmother’s to read her Harlequin novels. Those were delivered once a month in a ginormous box, and from the age of ten, she let me devour them in their entirety. I fell in love with romance, even the clean kind. And that, undoubtedly, led to many days and nights with my face buried in a book and the discovery that I wasn’t happy unless my hair was up, and I had a story in my hand. 

 

I never wanted to write. I wanted to read. ALL the words. Until someone pointed out to me that I’d been writing my entire life. I just needed to put the book in my hand down and pick up a pen. 

 

Once I started, I found out that I couldn’t stop. Now, I’m always writing. Or reading. Or chasing my son through the house to get the elusive hug he thinks I don’t need.

 

Oh, and I’m a Leo… which is completely on-point if you know me at all. I love being the center of attention. On my terms. When I can stay at home in my pajamas. With lots and lots of coffee on hand. And maybe a few snacks.

Connect with April Canavan

To learn more about April Canavan, visit here!

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Thank you to April Canavan, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Ground Zero.